Today we will talk about bible verses on lying. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. In this study we will look at scripture that guides us about honesty, the harm of falsehood, the call to truth, and how we can live with integrity. As we read, let us open our hearts and minds to what the Lord teaches about truth and lying. We will learn from both Old and New Testament passages that show how much truth matters to God and to our relationships with others. Let us take time to pray and reflect as we read these bible verses on lying and let them shape the way we speak, act, and think.
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22“
bible verses on lying
bible verses on lying: Why God Hates Lying
As we study bible verses on lying, we are reminded that God’s heart is for truth. We gather together and recognize that lying is not a small issue in Scripture. The Bible tells us plainly that God finds lying offensive to His holiness. When we speak untruths, we move away from the character of God, who is truth itself. In this section, we explore how the scriptures teach us to see lying not only as a social problem but as a spiritual one. We will look at passages that describe the nature of lies, the spiritual root behind them, and how they stand opposite to God’s essence. We learn that God values honesty because truth builds trust, binds communities, and reflects His own being. Our aim is not only to feel guilty about lying but to be inspired to choose truth in our daily speech. When we understand why God hates lying—because it damages people, distorts reality, and breaks relationship with God and neighbor—we are encouraged to pursue honesty. We will take these bible verses on lying and let them shape our commitments. As a community, we will pray for humility to admit wrongs and courage to speak truth with love. We will also ask God to help us see any small untruths that slip out of our mouths and to give us strength to replace them with straightforward speech. The goal is not perfection by our own effort but a transformed heart that treasures truth because it reflects our loving God.
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22“
John 8:44
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. – John 8:44“
Revelation 21:8
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. – Revelation 21:8“
Exodus 20:16
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. – Exodus 20:16“
Leviticus 19:11
“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. – Leviticus 19:11“
bible verses on lying: Consequences of Lying
When we study the consequences set out in bible verses on lying, we notice a clear pattern: lies harm people and damage the liar. We see this in stories and in short, wise sayings. Lying may seem to help in the short term, but Scripture points out that it brings loss, shame, and loss of trust in the long run. As a community, we want to learn from God’s word so we can avoid the painful results that follow deceit. These passages show us that lying leads to broken relationships, ruined reputations, and sometimes legal or moral penalties. God’s justice and wisdom aim to protect human life and community, so when lying appears, it often brings discipline or exposure. Yet the Bible does not only punish; it also calls us to repent when we have lied and to restore what was lost when possible. As we reflect on these bible verses on lying, we realize that the sure way to prevent harm is to build habits of honesty now. This is about everyday speech, the small untruths we might excuse, and the big falsehoods that cause real damage. We commit to helping one another speak candidly but kindly. We also learn that when people lie against us, God hears and sees; He will bring justice in his time. In the end, the consequences teach us that truth heals, while lies wound and leave lasting scars.
Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. – Proverbs 19:5“
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. – Proverbs 19:9“
Proverbs 12:19
“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. – Proverbs 12:19“
Proverbs 21:6
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. – Proverbs 21:6“
Psalm 101:7
“He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. – Psalm 101:7“
bible verses on lying: Speak Truth and Honesty
We study bible verses on lying so we can better know how to speak truth and build honesty into our daily lives. The Bible gives clear commands and gentle nudges about saying what is true with love. As a group, we want to be people who honor God by telling the truth in all things big and small. The scriptures teach that truth-telling is not merely a legal duty but a way to show love and care. When we practice honesty, our relationships grow stronger. Our workplaces, churches, and families become safer places. We also learn that truth must be spoken in a kind and wise way; it is not truth plus harshness, but truth spoken with grace. In these bible verses on lying, we find practical guidance: stop hiding, stop pretending, stop covering sin with clever words. Instead, admit, confess, and repair. The New Testament calls us to put off lying and to be real with one another. This is a balm to the soul and a testimony to the watching world. We are invited to model Christ by living honestly, because when we do, we reflect the light of God’s truth and help others trust the gospel.
Ephesians 4:25
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. – Ephesians 4:25“
Colossians 3:9
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; – Colossians 3:9“
Matthew 5:37
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. – Matthew 5:37“
James 5:12
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. – James 5:12“
1 Peter 2:1
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, – 1 Peter 2:1“
bible verses on lying: Hypocrisy and Falsehood
When we look into bible verses on lying, we find strong words about hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is a form of falsehood where words and actions do not match. In our churches and communities we can sometimes fall into pretending to be better or more spiritual than we are. The Bible warns us against dressing up sin with fancy words or outward shows. Instead, Scripture calls us to inner honesty—our hearts and lives should line up. As a community, we confess that hypocrisy has been easy for us when we fear judgment. Yet God calls us to a different path: one of humility and truth. These bible verses on lying remind us that outer religion without inner truth is empty and harmful. The prophets, Jesus, and the apostles all point out that God knows the heart and sees beyond our displays. So we must do an inward work of truth—repent, be real, and let the Holy Spirit change us. This kind of honesty frees us to serve others without pretense. We are called to practice authentic faith, not a show. When we live in truth, our witness becomes powerful and healing, not hollow or deceptive.
Matthew 23:27
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. – Matthew 23:27“
Titus 1:16
“They Profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. – Titus 1:16“
Romans 2:21
“Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? – Romans 2:21“
2 Corinthians 11:13
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. – 2 Corinthians 11:13“
Matthew 15:7
“Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, – Matthew 15:7“
bible verses on lying: Leaders, Judges, and Responsibility
As we read bible verses on lying, we must pay special attention to what they say about leaders and judges. Leaders have a heavy responsibility because their words guide others. The scriptures hold leaders to a high standard: they must act and speak with truth. We notice that false testimony or lying by leaders harms many people and can bring injustice. In the Old Testament, laws taught judges to search carefully when accusations arose so that the innocent would be protected and liars punished. In the New Testament, leaders are shown to lead by example—showing integrity in public and private life. As a faith community, we confess that we need honest leadership. We must call leaders to transparency and truth without being unkind. These bible verses on lying ask us to value truth in voting, in church decisions, and in how we treat one another. They also remind leaders that God sees their hearts and will judge words and actions. We encourage leaders to confess mistakes when they happen and to repair harm. Truth in leadership builds trust and brings peace to the people they serve. When leaders honor truth, the whole community is blessed.
Deuteronomy 19:18
“And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; – Deuteronomy 19:18“
Exodus 23:1
“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. – Exodus 23:1“
Proverbs 14:5
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. – Proverbs 14:5“
Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: – Zechariah 8:16“
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. – Proverbs 19:9“
bible verses on lying: Deception, Slander, and Gossip
We use bible verses on lying to guide how we handle gossip and slander. These sins involve speaking false or hurtful things about others. The Bible warns us again and again about the danger of the tongue and the damage that gossip can cause. When we gossip, we break relationships and spread harm that can last for years. As a group, we want to be careful with our words and refuse to spread tales that are not true. These scriptures teach us to guard our speech, to speak up for those who are falsely accused, and to stop rumors that could hurt someone. We also learn that truth-speaking requires courage: sometimes we must correct a lie, and sometimes we must refuse to pass it along. Our community seeks to be a place where truth is checked gently and where we refuse to be carriers of slander. The Bible shows us better ways: speak in love, seek facts, protect the vulnerable, and seek reconciliation. These bible verses on lying direct us away from idle talk and toward careful, uplifting speech.
Proverbs 26:20
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. – Proverbs 26:20“
Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. – Proverbs 16:28“
Psalm 52:2
“Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. – Psalm 52:2“
Proverbs 20:19
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. – Proverbs 20:19“
James 3:5
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! – James 3:5“
bible verses on lying: The Power of Confession and Repentance
When we study bible verses on lying, we find a roadmap for getting back on track: confession and repentance. The Bible encourages us to admit our wrongs and turn away from them. Confession is not only about telling God the truth; it is also about facing the harm we caused and doing what we can to repair it. As a community, we must practice safe spaces where people can own mistakes without fear of instant exile. The scriptures show that when we confess, God forgives, and healing can begin. Confession heals our conscience and mends relationships. We also learn to accept God’s grace and to change our habits. These bible verses on lying teach us that hiding wrongdoing only deepens guilt, while honest admission can free us and restore trust. In encouraging one another to confess and repent, we help each other grow in Christ-likeness and build a culture of truthfulness that reflects God’s mercy.
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. – Proverbs 28:13“
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9“
Psalm 32:5
“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. – Psalm 32:5“
James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. – James 5:16“
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. – Proverbs 28:13“
bible verses on lying: The Tongue — Blessing or Cursing
The Bible has many bible verses on lying that speak about the tongue’s power. Our words can build up or tear down. When we lie, our tongues become a tool for harm. The scriptures warn us to control our speech and use it for good. We learn that the tongue can bless God and others or spread falsehood and hurt. As a group, we want to choose blessing over cursing. We want our words to encourage, not deceive. The Bible also teaches that speech reveals the heart—what we say shows what is inside. So when we practice truth, we are shaping our hearts to be honest and kind. We must also be slow to react, careful to check facts, and ready to speak up for truth with love. These bible verses on lying remind us to ask God to guard our tongues and to help us speak in ways that reflect Jesus’ heart.
Matthew 12:36
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. – Matthew 12:36“
James 3:6
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. – James 3:6“
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. – Ephesians 4:29“
Psalm 34:13
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. – Psalm 34:13“
Luke 6:45
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. – Luke 6:45“
bible verses on lying: Truth as a Way to Heal Relationships
Bible verses on lying teach us how truth heals relationships. When trust breaks, the road back is often honesty, apology, and repair. The Bible says that being honest can mend what lies have torn apart. As a faithful group, we want to learn how to restore trust using God-honoring steps. These include admitting wrongs honestly, making things right when possible, and committing to change. Truth brings clarity and offers a stable foundation to rebuild. The scriptures also show that love and truth must work together—truth told without care may hurt, and love without truth can enable harm. So we aim for truthful, gentle, and brave conversations. When we follow the Bible’s guidance, we create a community where people can feel safe to be open and to heal. Our hope is that bible verses on lying lead us to lives marked by honesty that mends, not breaks, relationships.
Proverbs 12:17
“He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. – Proverbs 12:17“
Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. – Proverbs 26:28“
Psalm 51:6
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. – Psalm 51:6“
Colossians 3:8
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. – Colossians 3:8“
2 Corinthians 4:2
“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:2“
bible verses on lying: Living in Truth — A Daily Practice
When we take bible verses on lying to heart, we learn that living in truth is a daily practice. The Bible asks us not just to avoid big lies but to form habits of honest speech every day. This means checking our motives, choosing simple truth instead of clever half-truths, and letting our “yes” mean yes and our “no” mean no. Living in truth also means we speak up kindly when we see falsehood and we seek forgiveness when we fail. As a group, we help one another by naming truth kindly and offering grace when people fall short. The scriptures encourage us to let God shape our character so that truth flows naturally from a renewed heart. This way of life brings peace in conscience and strengthens the bonds we share. Let us commit to practicing truthfulness in small things, trusting God to work through our honesty to bring good fruits in our homes, workplaces, and churches.
Psalm 15:2
“He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. – Psalm 15:2“
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22“
Proverbs 6:17
“A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. – Proverbs 6:17“
Matthew 5:37
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. – Matthew 5:37“
Psalm 119:160
“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. – Psalm 119:160“
Final Thoughts
I (and we) have walked through many bible verses on lying and seen how clear God is about truth. We have learned that lying brings harm, while honesty builds trust, heals relationships, and honors God.
We (and I) are encouraged to practice truth in small things and big things, to confess when we fail, and to help our leaders and neighbors live with integrity. We can ask God for help to speak truth with love and courage.
I (and we) pray that these scriptures guide our words daily, and that our lives reflect the truth of Christ so others may see God’s goodness through us.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)